William Shirer was quite unique as a print journalist then later a radio correspondent, in that he was an “on the ground” witness to many of the key historical events, especially in Europe, starting in the 1920s through World War II. For example – he reported on the 1938 Anschluss, being in Vienna, at the time. You’ll will learn about his humble beginnings as a young man from the Midwest, then rising to prominence in the late 1930’s, along with Edward R. Murrow. Shirer was a critical voice, in trying to tell the world of the insidious rise of Nazism. Furthermore, his collaboration with Murrow in 1938, ushered in a new era on news reporting, that is the model we see today. Most of this podcast will be an interview with Clay Jenkinson, who is a humanities scholar, author and social commentator. He has had an interest in Shirer most of his professional life. He’ll share his insights on what made Shirer so unique, and the critically important historical value he provided through broadcasts and writings. For more information on Clay’s background and publications – go to www.jeffersonhour.com.
